ZiiGaat x Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 Review – 1DD + 3BA Wonder – The Perfect Tuning
Before diving into the Odyssey 2’s sound and measurements, it helps to understand one of the collaborators: Hangout Audio, which is widely associated with the well-known tuning reviewer Crinacle. Crinacle is a prominent figure in the IEM / headphone review and tuning community, whose frequency-response targets and tuning preferences have influenced a generation of enthusiast gear.
His modding, measurements, and tuning philosophy are frequently referenced in forums and reviews. Hangout Audio is the brand/platform through which Crinacle has begun releasing or co-developing audio hardware, often emphasizing objective performance, neutrality (or carefully calibrated tonal balance), and a “reference / measurement-aware” approach to tuning.
Thus, when you see “Ziigaat x Hangout Audio”, you’re seeing a collaboration where Ziigaat (as the design/manufacturing arm) partners with Crinacle’s tuning influence via Hangout Audio, aiming to bring his tuning philosophy into a commercial IEM. That pedigree sets expectations: a product likely aimed at both enthusiasts who value measurements and a refined, musical experience that aligns with Crinacle’s target curves.
With that in mind, let’s examine the Odyssey 2.
Specifications (As Claimed)
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Driver configuration: 1 × 10 mm bio-cellulose composite dynamic driver + 3 × Knowles balanced armature drivers
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Impedance: ~20 Ω
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Sensitivity: ~105 dB / mW
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Frequency response: 20 Hz – 25 kHz (claimed)
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THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): ~0.19% (claimed)
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Cable: 4-core OFC + silver litz custom cable, detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin
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Shell material: CNC aluminum alloy with resin / artistic faceplate finish
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Accessories: multiple ear tips (silicone, foam), replaceable filters, carrying case, 3.5 mm & 4.4 mm plugs (depending on package)
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Tuning: Balanced/neutral tonal signature, aiming for precise bass, transparent mids, smooth treble
- Price: $249
These specs suggest a moderate impedance and sensitivity, making the Odyssey 2 relatively easy to drive with many portable sources, but still benefiting from a clean output with a low noise floor.
In The Box
Disclaimer: The ZiiGaat x Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 was kindly provided by Linsoul for review.
Sound
FR Graph / Frequency Response Analysis
From the FR graph you uploaded, the following observations can be made (with reference to the typical measurement axis):
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Low frequencies / Sub-bass: The response curve in the sub-bass region (20–60 Hz) appears slightly elevated above midrange levels. This suggests the Odyssey 2 has a modest sub-bass boost, giving more sense of rumble and weight, but not an extreme “basshead” tilt. The slope gently falls as frequency increases, indicating controlled roll-off rather than an overt shelf.
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Mid-bass / Lower mids: From ~60 to ~200 Hz, the curve declines toward a flatter region. The reduction is gradual — the mid-bass still retains presence, but isn’t overly bloomy. This helps maintain clarity in the midrange when bass-heavy tracks are played.
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Midrange (Lower to Upper Mids): The midrange (200 Hz – ~1 kHz) is relatively flat, with only minor dips or deviations. That suggests a neutral midrange balance, intended to reveal voices and instruments without coloration. There is no conspicuous trough or hump that would overly emphasize or suppress vocals or guitars.
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Presence / Transition Region (~1 kHz – 3–4 kHz): The curve begins to rise from ~1 kHz toward 2–4 kHz, forming a gentle shoulder or presence peak. This is typical for IEMs that aim to bring vocal clarity, articulation, and presence energy. The peak is not excessively aggressive, but strong enough to ensure vocals and lead instruments are audible and clear in busy mixes.
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Treble / Air / High frequencies: After the presence peak, the treble region (4–10 kHz) shows mild undulations, with a gentle decline as frequency increases toward 15–20 kHz. There is a mild “shelf” or elevation around 5–8 kHz, then a roll-off approaching the air region. The behavior implies the treble is tuned to extend, but not overly boost, maintaining sparkle without harshness or fatigue.
Overall, the FR graph supports the marketing claim of a “balanced/neutral tonal signature with emphasis on precise bass, transparent mids, and smooth treble.” The deviations are mild and controlled, not extreme in any direction, which is compatible with a tuning that seeks to be refined, versatile, and revealing without being overly aggressive.
From my listening impressions (on multiple genres, with various sources) matched against what the FR graph suggests, here’s how the Odyssey 2 presents itself across the spectrum, and what one can expect in real-world usage.
Bass
The sub-bass boost evident in the FR curve gives the Odyssey 2 a satisfying foundation: low-frequency impact is present and felt, especially in tracks with synthesizers, cinematic bass lines, or orchestral rumble. The dynamic driver shows strength in delivering weight and depth without flabbiness.
The mid-bass is well controlled: bass hits land decisively and decay cleanly, avoiding bleed into the mids. Thus, the Odyssey 2 avoids “muddy” coloration even when delivering punchy tracks. In genres like modern pop, electronic, or hip-hop, the bass feels energetic and impactful, but the neutrality in midrange means it does not overwhelm.
Mids
The Odyssey 2’s midrange is one of its strongest suits. The relative flatness in the FR graph through the vocal ranges means voices are accurate and natural. Male and female vocals carry clarity, body, and presence without unnatural peaks or shout. Instruments sit well: acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and brass all have a realistic tone.
The slight presence boost in the 2–4 kHz transition adds clarity and articulation, helping voices cut through dense mixes. The transitions between drivers (dynamic → BA) are smooth, with minimal driver mismatch audible. Especially in vocal and acoustic music, the Odyssey 2 reveals nuance: small reverberations, instrument textures, phrasing details.
Treble
Treble extension is good without aggression. The mild elevation in the 5–8 kHz region adds sparkle, air, and detail retrieval, while the downward slope beyond helps prevent fatigue or harshness on the highest frequencies. In practice, cymbals, hi-hats, and percussion carry presence but not piercing brightness.
The sound remains comfortable even during long sessions. In busy mixes, the treble helps with instrument separation and adds life without pushing into brightness territory. The Odyssey 2 conveys spatial cues (reverb tails, room air) without betraying strain.
Technicalities: Dynamics, Imaging, Noise Floor
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Dynamics: The Odyssey 2 responds well to dynamic swings. Quiet passages feel intimate, midlevel passages are expressive, and louder sections retain control. The onset of crescendos and the decay of sustained notes both reproduce well.
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Imaging & Soundstage: The soundstage is reasonably wide for an IEM, with decent depth. Instruments and voices feel placed, not smeared. The spatial cues are clearer than many in the same price range; panning and separation are convincing, though not on par with open-back headphones or reference rigs.
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Noise floor: With efficient sources, the background is dark. Highly sensitive IEMs see negligible hiss. The Odyssey 2 maintains quietness in silent passages, so details are not lost to noise.
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Driver transitions & coherence: Because it uses a hybrid (1 DD + 3 BA), mismatches at crossover points are always a risk, but the tuning seems well managed: transitions are smooth, timbre shifts are minimal, and coherence across frequencies is well maintained.
Genre Impressions
Classical / Orchestral
In symphonies or chamber works, the Odyssey 2 reveals layering with realism. Strings breathe, brass has bite without aggression, and woodwinds are articulate. The sub-bass lift helps with orchestral depth (cello, contrabass) without overshadowing the mids. Crescendo-to-diminuendo passages retain shape.
Jazz / Acoustic
Here, the IEM shines. Upright bass, brushwork on drums, piano, and horns all feel natural. Vocals emerge intimately, with emotional nuance. Small studio or live jazz recordings gain presence: the sense of “being there” is strong, thanks to clarity, midrange naturalness, and controlled treble.
Rock / Metal
The IEM navigates density well. Guitars are crisp, drums punch firmly, and vocals stay audible. In heavier arrangements, the Odyssey 2 might not deliver the visceral slam of full-size dynamic headphone setups, but it holds its own among IEM peers. Distortion is minimal; clarity holds even in more chaotic mixes.
Electronic / EDM
Thanks to the sub-bass extension, electronic tracks gain depth and energy. Beats, synth basses, and deep drones all get presence. The treble and midrange help define rhythm and melody, making the tonal experience balanced and engaging without harsh brightness.
Vocal / Singer-Songwriter
This is where the Odyssey 2 feels especially at home. The midrange integrity, smooth treble, and modest bass support mean vocal performances come through with directness and emotion. Acoustic guitars and subtle accompaniment find space without crowding the primary voice.
Sum-Up
The Ziigaat x Hangout Audio Odyssey 2 delivers a refined, well-balanced sound that impresses both in its musicality and technical integrity. The FR graph confirms a carefully controlled tuning: modest sub-bass lift, neutral mids, a tastefully emphasized presence region, and a smooth treble roll-off to avoid fatigue. In listening across genres, the IEM proves versatile—comfortable with jazz, delicate with classical, firm in rock, deep in electronic, and intimate in vocals or acoustic settings.
Thanks to Hangout Audio’s involvement (and Crinacle’s tuning philosophy), the Odyssey 2 aligns with both measurement-driven expectations and emotional musical experience. It is a compelling IEM offering great value for its specs and performance.
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Excellent midrange realism and vocal accuracy
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Good sub-bass weight with control
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Smooth treble, comfortable for long listening
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Low distortion, clean imaging, and dynamic expression
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Solid build, premium cable, thoughtful accessory set
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Tuning aligned with measurement-aware philosophy